VW shows ID. UNYX for China
The powertrain is the same as that of other current MEB models, such as the Cupra Tavascan, which is built in the same factory in Anhui. The rear-wheel drive version is powered by the 210 kW APP550 and a 77 kWh battery. It allows for a range of 621 kilometres, according to the Chinese test cycle CLTC. The all-wheel drive version with a second electric motor on the front axle has an output of 250 kW. However, VW has not disclosed any details about the battery or range. Other MEB models use batteries with 79 kWh in the all-wheel drive versions.
The ID. UNYX focuses less on the already familiar drive system and more on its special features. That is because it is the first VW to be built at Volkswagen’s new innovation and development centre in Hefei, eastern China. “The location focuses exclusively on developing the latest generation of smart electric vehicles for the local market,” VW emphasises.
One of the new developments from the Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) is the so-called ‘3D Avatar.’ As Chinese customers want a different type of interaction with the vehicle – as demonstrated by other personalised assistants from Chinese car manufacturers – VW has added an “interactive, AI-based 3D avatar” to the human-machine interface (HMI). Its appearance can be customised using an app. “The avatar’s voice can be configured based on a human voice and accompany the driver for conversations,” says VW.
The design of the ID. UNYX is also striking. While the VW brand’s previous MEB models – including in China – were relatively well-behaved and discreet in terms of design, the ID. UNYX looks very dynamic and almost aggressive. At the front, the design of the lower air intake and the striking beading on the bonnet are reminiscent of sporty models. VW itself speaks of a progressive and “particularly powerful” design. In addition, the logo at the front and the lettering at the rear are gold-coloured: “The colour of these insignia is associated with the high quality, reliability and safety of a Volkswagen in China.”
The ID. UNYX is intended to herald a new electric mobility start for VW in China. Within the next three years, the sub-brand will offer four more vehicles – it is not yet known what these will be called. What is clear is that they will be SUVs and saloons. There is also a separate sales concept. The ID. UNYX will be sold in 40 exclusive stores in 20 Chinese cities. However, VW is forced to do this to a certain extent. As it is a Volkswagen Anhui model, the company cannot rely on the established locations of SAIC-VW and FAW-VW.
But even before the launch of the first model, the concept changed. At Auto China in Beijing in April, VW presented not only the ID. Code study but also the ID. UX sub-brand. However, the latter is now called ID. UNYX. Nevertheless, the model range of five electric cars by 2027 remains unchanged.
“With the new ID. UNYX, we are expanding the spectrum of our electric ID. models in China with an avant-garde product,” says Stefan Mecha, CEO Volkswagen Brand China. “We are combining a confident, progressive design with a sustainable electric drive and state-of-the-art user experience. All of this perfectly matches the pulse of the times. Intelligently networked electric models such as the new ID. UNYX are the key to attracting young, lifestyle-oriented target groups and retaining existing customers for the Volkswagen brand.”
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